Whether it’s a nice Valentine’s Day dinner or a cozy stay in a warm cabin, you can find them in February in Nebraska’s state parks.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter Nebraska Game and Parks state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

Enjoy Valentine’s getaway at Niobrara State Park

Niobrara State Park will host a special Valentine’s getaway Feb. 6-7 and Feb. 13-14.

Guests can get a 30% discount on lodging, with early check-in and late check-out. They also will get a complimentary package from local businesses.

Call the park at 402-857-3373 to make reservations.

Enjoy Valentine's Day cabin getaway at Lewis and Clark

Reserve a lake-view cabin for a minimum two-night stay at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area on Feb. 6-8 or 13-15 and get a 30% discount.

A Sweetheart Package can be added for $35. This includes early check-in and late check-out, waived pet fee, beverages, snacks, flowers, sweet treats and more.

Reserve your stay by calling the park office at 402-388-4169.

Valentine's Getaway at Ponca SP set for two weekends

Unlock a 30% cabin discount with the Valentine's Getaway at Ponca State Park package. A minimum two-night stay is required for the discount Feb. 6-8 or Feb. 13-15.

Guests will receive a voucher for a complimentary bottle of wine, which may be redeemed at Cedar Hills Bar and Grill in Ponca. There is a limit of one per cabin.

At 10 a.m. Feb. 7, join park naturalists and the Loess Hill Audubon Society for a birding presentation, followed by birding in the park. At 10 a.m. Feb. 14, Bluebirds Across Nebraska also will join the presentation before the birding hike.

Call the park at 402-755-2284 to make a cabin reservation. A Couples’ Package can be added to a reservation for $35. It includes beverages, snacks, flowers, sweet treats, and more.

Mystery at the Mansion is Feb. 13, 21 at Arbor Lodge

Come to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City for two fun evenings of Mystery at the Mansion. Enjoy A Villain’s Vendetta at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 or At the Hatter’s Mardi Gras Ball at 6 p.m. Feb. 21.

These old-fashioned mysteries, which guests may participate in, will take place at Arbor Lodge Mansion. Guests, who should arrive 15 minutes early, are encouraged to wear costumes. Prizes will be awarded at the beginning of the evening for the best and most creative attire. Additional props will be available for the mystery.

Cost is $35, and space is limited. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit the event listing at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to buy tickets or for information.

Mahoney SP will host Valentine’s special

Reserve a select cabin or lodge room Feb. 13-14 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Two-bedroom cabins are $190-$210 per night, before tax, while lodge rooms are $110-$130.

For another $55, add the Valentine’s Package, which includes two stocking hats, two wine glasses, Baker’s chocolates, hot chocolate, popcorn, raffle tickets for prizes, tickets to activities, and a 2026 Nebraskaland calendar.

Contact Group Functions at 402-944-2901 to make a reservation and the park office at 402-944-2523 about available activities.

Ponca SP to host naturalist-led hike

Participate in a monthly naturalist-led group hike Feb. 14 and learn about the flora and fauna found at Ponca State Park.

Meet at the West Shelter at 10 a.m. and enjoy the scenic views, native wildlife, and fellowship until 12:30 p.m. Along the way, naturalists will talk about the cultural and natural history of the park. The trail will end with a warm fire and fresh baked dessert in a Dutch oven.

Spots are limited and registration is required by calling the park office at 402-755-2284. The cost is $15.

These group hikes take place on the second Saturday through April.

Platte River SP hosting Valentine's Day dinner

Visit scenic Platte River State Park for a romantic Valentine’s Day Steak Night on Feb. 14 at the Walter Scott Jr. Lodge and Restaurant.

The dinner, served from 4-9 p.m., will include choices of steak, chicken, fish, appetizers, a salad bar, and more. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to see the menu. Call 402-234-2217 for reservations.

Valentine’s Teas scheduled at Arbor Lodge

Enjoy a Valentine’s Tea on Feb. 14 in the sunroom of Arbor Lodge Mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park.

Guests will be treated to an assortment of teas and dainty brunch and dessert selections, along with musical entertainment and a brief history of Valentine’s Day greetings.

Participants also may explore the mansion and view the special “Love Is in the Air” exhibit, featuring displays of Morton Family weddings and vintage Valentine card collections.

The teas will be at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is $30, which includes mansion admission and entrance to the tea. Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.govto purchase tickets.

Call 402-873-7222 for more information.

BOW Learn to Hunt Safely Weekend is March 13-15

Women are invited to a hunter education weekend that will give them the chance to learn hunter safety and gain firsthand firearm and archery experience in a fun, safe environment. The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman’s Learn to Hunt Safely Weekend will be March 13-15 at Ponca State Park.

Basic hunter education course material will be taught through simulated hunting situations, live fire exercises, education and responsibility activities. Workshops will be led by experienced female hunters and certified volunteer hunter education instructors. Hunter Education certificates will be given at the end of the weekend.

Female participants ages 12 through 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult the full weekend.

The fee is $200, which includes shared cabin lodging at the park and meals. All equipment, including archery and firearms, will be provided.

Nebraska Big Game Society to auction elk permit Feb. 26

A bull elk permit will be auctioned by the Nebraska Big Game Society on Feb. 26 in Lincoln. The 15th annual meeting and auction will be at Wilderness Ridge Country Club, 1800 Wilderness Woods Place.

Residents and nonresidents are eligible for the bull elk permit. The high bidder will receive a bull elk permit valid in any elk management unit during a 2026 open bull elk season; legal weapons for that season must be used.

Interested call-in bidders are welcome and must register in advance by email NBGS@gmail.com or calling 402-416-3847. Due to limited capacity for call-in bids, early registration is appreciated.

Additionally, special outdoor experiences, hunts, and gear will be auctioned. The Nebraska Big Game Society has generously contributed $1,276,725 raised from 14 auctions to support wildlife habitat and the conservation of elk, antelope, bighorn sheep and other big game.

Tickets for the banquet are $100 each or $850 for a table of 10 guests. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6:15 p.m., and the auction begins at 7:00 p.m. tickets are available by texting TABLE to 402-417-8123.

For more information, visit nebiggame.org

LWCF, RTP grant awards approved by commissioners

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved grant award recommendations for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and the Recreational Trails Program at its meeting Jan. 23 in Lincoln.

Commissioners approved the following grant awards, totaling more than $2.6 million, for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program:

  • Curtis, $600,000 to replace a swimming pool;
  • La Vista, $340,410 for revitalization at two parks;
  • Stamford, $96,666 for improvements at City Park;
  • Beatrice, $256,665 for development of pickleball courts at Chautauqua Park;
  • Neligh, $210,000 for development at two river parks;
  • Auburn, $600,000 for swimming pool improvements and multi-sport courts revitalization at Auburn Legion Park; and
  • Spalding, $542,255 for remodeling a swimming pool.

Funding from the LWCF comes from the U.S. Department of the Interior and federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Commissioners also approved the following recreational trail project recommendations for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program:

  • Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, $250,000 to build the Prairie Corridor Trail-Spring Creek Phase II, a 10-foot-wide, 8,000-foot-long crushed limestone pedestrian and bicycle trail, access road and trailhead parking lot. It will connect to an existing trail at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center;
  • Norfolk, $239,000 to build the Winter Park Trail and Pedestrian Bridge, a 2,500-foot-long trail and 60-fooot-long bridge to connect Winter Park and Fourth Street Park;
  • Fairbury, $250,000 to rehabilitate the Fairbury Trail Bridge, including replacement of top decking, timbers and rail ties, installation of handrails and repairs to concrete piers; and
  • Nebraska State Snowmobile Association, $17,000 to fund educational programs for the 2026 International Snowmobile Congress, set for June 3-6 in Omaha.

Funding for the RTP comes from the Federal Highway Administration and is made possible by a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles.

Also, the commissioners approved staff recommendations to:

  • adopt the 2026-2028 Focus on the Future Strategic Plan, which includes the strategic directions of conservation, recreation, our team, and the people we serve;
  • increase to the Cash Change Funds to assist with park operations, activities and events;
  • accept a permanent easement request from Dawson Public Power District for installation of an overhead power line at Cozad Wildlife Management Area in Dawson County; and
  • accept a right-of-way easement request from Omaha Public Power District for construction that falls outside the easement established in March 2025 for overhead power lines at Louisville State Recreation Area in Cass County.

Wildlife staff gave a review of the division’s 2025 depredation program, which was contacted by 237 landowners for depredation or safety issues concerning deer, elk and other species. An annual Depredation Landowner Satisfaction Survey revealed that 94% of respondents believed program staff responded well to their immediate needs.

Another Wildlife Division report reviewed chronic wasting disease. It covered the history of the disease and results from surveillance in Nebraska during the November Firearm deer season.

The Communications Division gave a review of agency priority messages for 2026, which include updating its “Beneath Nebraska Skies” marketing campaign, branding and relevancy, caring for our resources, focus on storytelling, and special commemorations.

A presentation was given about the Nebraska conservation officers’ 125th anniversary in 2026 and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association conference they will host this summer to celebrate it.

Wildlife Education Specialist Monica Macoubrie was presented the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2025 Educator/Communication Professional of the Year Award for her significant contributions to education in Nebraska. Among Macoubrie’s achievements, she:

  • Got October designated as Nebraska's Reptile Month;
  • Collaborated to get the Ornate Box Turtle designated as Nebraska's State Reptile;
  • Spearheaded two cider collaborations with Glacial Till, raising awareness of local species and raising funds for conservation education;
  • Coordinates Sensory Safari, an annual field day for people with visual and other sensory impairments; and
  • Coordinates Nature Trivia Nights.

Macoubrie also gave a presentation on the five-year history of Nebraska Reptile Month, including reptile-related programs and publications that she has spearheaded.  

The commissioners elected their officers for 2026 as follows: Chairman, Donna Kush, Omaha; and Vice Chairman, Dan Hughes, Venango.